Dubai Design Week: How to Make the Most of Your Last Day

Every year since 2015, over 60,000 visitors flock to Dubai Design Week annually. This six-day event each November hosts over 200 free admission exhibitions, talks, and workshops. It firmly established Dubai as the design capital of the Middle East. The event covers all things creative, from architecture, product design, furniture design, interior design, jewelry, industrial design, service design, technology, culture, art, and more. If you’re looking to make the most of your last day at Dubai Design Week, check out these must-see attractions.

Burj Khalifa

If you’ve gathered architectural inspiration from the Dubai Design Week festivities, you will be even more inspired when you visit Burj Kahlifa, the world’s tallest tower. Rising 828 meters into the sky, it is a wonder of building design.

The world’s tallest tower naturally dominates the Dubai skyline, but the true majesty of the building is best appreciated up close or, even better, from inside. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 124 is absolutely stunning, topped only by the view from the luxurious At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. -Visit Dubai

Dubai Mall

A trip to the iconic Dubai Mall is a must before you leave Dubai. Calling this sprawling complex merely a mall is misleading. Along with its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, it is home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, an indoor waterfall, and the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. You’ll surely able to find something wonderful to take home with you to remember your visit.

The Dubai Fountain

Photo courtesy of Visit Dubai

As you leave the Dubai Mall, take a moment to see the famous Dubai Fountain. This choreographed fountain sprays water as high as 150 meters in the air to provide an impressive show that is complete with lights and music. There are two shows each afternoon and shows every thirty minutes in the evenings.

Palm Jumeirah

As a fan of design, you’ll appreciate the feat of creating the Palm Jumeirah, one of the world’s largest man-made islands. This palm tree-shaped island is home to numerous luxury hotels and has its own monorail system to make admiring it even easier.

Dubai Creek

Long before it was known for its glamour and architecture, Dubai centered on the Dubai Creek.

The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai’s main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is awash with the history of the emirate, as it’s home to the Dubai Museum as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks. -Visit Dubai

Be sure to take a ride on a traditional abra while you are there. At just AED1, it is one of the most affordable attractions in the city.

Kite Beach

Don’t leave Dubai Design Week without a trip to Kite Beach. This popular spot is perfect for watersports, biking, or beach volleyball, all on the border of the city center. Grab a meal and dine al fresco at one of the numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants. While you’re eating, enjoy the view of the world-famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel.

Arabian Desert

Within 20 minutes of Dubai, you can experience what initially drew visitors to this amazing place, the Arabian Desert. Not only can you take the obligatory camel ride, but there’s also four-wheeling, sandboarding, and desert safaris to enjoy. This amazing experience is worth a short trip during your Dubai Design Week stay.

If you don’t have all of Design Week to stay in Dubai, see the very best of the sites with our guide for 24 hours in Dubai.